Mr Steve Downes 

Executive Principal, Calvary Education Group

Steve Downes is a highly respected visionary leader in the field of Christian Education, currently serving as the Executive Principal of Calvary Education Group. He is a passionate advocate for the innovative embedded practice model of teacher training and is a key driving force in establishing this model at Calvary Education Group. Steve holds a Bachelor of Education in Human Movement, Science and Outdoor Pursuits from University of South Australia.

Steve is a highly motivated Educational Leader, who is passionate about people and the learning journey. He believes that Christian Education is a powerful tool that can have an incredible impact on the lives of students and families. He is the middle son of missionary parents and grew up in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. His teaching journey encompasses both Northern Territory and Queensland public schools, and in 1997 both he and his wife Jackie answered a call of God to Mackay Christian College. A fourteen-year journey at MCC has been fundamental in his growth as a teacher and leader in Christian Schools. 

Steve took on the role of Principal at Calvary Christian College in 2011 and under his principalship the Calvary Education Group was formed, and he took on the role of Executive Principal in 2021. Calvary is a K – 12 College of 1100+ students, Eaton College is specialist college providing education for children with Autism. Steve is passionate about the concept and ability of unified teams and his leadership style is deeply rooted in his faith.

Steve embodies exceptional leadership across various spheres. Serving as a Board Director of ACS (Australian Christian Schools), Calvary Christian Church, Gulf Christian College, Calvary Special School (Eaton College) and Calvary Christian College. As the Executive Principal of the Calvary Education Group which also includes Early Learning Centre, Calvary Teaching School and Calvary OSCH he demonstrates a profound commitment to shaping educational excellence, fostering community engagement and advancing organisational objectives. With a strategic vision and a collaborative approach Steve navigates complex challenges with grace, ensuring alignment between institutional goals and stakeholder interests. His multifaceted leadership not only enriches our educational environment but also leaves a lasting impact on the broader community, embodying the ethos of service and excellence.

Mrs Robyn Hair

Director of Teaching and Learning, Calvary Teaching School Principal

Email: teachingschool@calvary.qld.edu.au

Robyn currently serves the Calvary Christian College community as the Deputy Principal: Teaching, Learning & Culture – three things she is passionate about. Robyn loves to invest in people. She has been a committed educator for over 28 years following a short but very fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse/Midwife. Clearly, people are what gives Robyn energy and her desire to help teachers reach their God given potential is deeply rooted in her own faith journey. With a Masters in Educational Leadership through Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Robyn’s journey began to grow and flourish.

Robyn has led a number of teaching teams both in Christian Education and through the state system. Her experience in Indigenous education was life changing at a remote Christian boarding school in the Northern Territory where she and her husband led a team of passionate educators making a difference in the lives of young first nations people. Robyn has led education teams in Mackay and the Northern Territory and arrived in Townsville to serve at Calvary in 2016, working her way through the classrooms and into a Teaching and Learning leadership position, prior to accepting the Deputy Principal role.

The concept of a teaching school has been a part of Robyn’s vision for education in Australia for some time. Following several research trips to other teaching schools, Robyn, along with Executive Principal Steve Downes, took the plunge into this exciting and innovative form of training quality teachers in 2019.

Investing in the growth and training of quality Christian educators is what drives Robyn and she is passionate about making a difference through coaching and mentoring within the Christian school environment.

Mrs Wendy Miller

Teaching School Coordinator

Email: wendy.miller@calvary.qld.edu.au

Wendy is the Coordinator of the Calvary Teaching School, where she brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in Christian Education. Her journey in education began in 2005 after transitioning from a career in the Australian Defence Force to pursue her passion for teaching. 

Throughout her career, Wendy has played pivotal roles in various key learning areas within secondary education. As Head of Department for Humanities, Christian Living, and Design Technology, and later as Assistant Director of Secondary College, she has a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and student development. 

Wendy's genuine enthusiasm for Christian education is evident in her approach to teaching and leadership. She values mentorship and coaching, striving to support others in their growth and goal achievement. With a Bachelor of Education from James Cook University and a Diploma of Christian Ministries from Rhema Bible College, Wendy is well-equipped to inspire and empower the next generation of educators.